Sciatica Treatment in Denver
Dr. Andrew Pichurko specializes in providing fast and effective low back treatment using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (McKenzie Method). He has helped countless Denver residents return to activity pain free by prescribing movement and preventative strategies for lasting results.
What is it?
“Sciatica” is a general term used to describe low back pain accompanied with symptoms in the buttock, thigh, knee, and occasionally into the ankle or foot. This presentation suggests irritation of the sciatic nerve, the longest and thickest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve may become irritated as a result of compression or chemical inflammation.
Sciatic Nerve Anatomy
The sciatic nerve originates in the gluteal area and is formed by five nerve roots leaving the lumbar spine and sacrum. Five spinal cord segments (L4 - S3) join and form a large bundle of nerves that terminates just above the knee. While the sciatic nerve terminates above the knee, several nerve branches continue distally all the way into the foot.
Sciatic pain can be the result of several different mechanisms of injury ranging from disc bulges, disc herniations, nerve root inflammation, or even tumors present at the lumbar spine. While symptoms are commonly present in the leg, the root of the issue is typically at the spine. As a nerve becomes irritated at the spinal level, pain may radiate (travel) into the leg as far as the foot. Given that nerves carry a variety of information, irritation of a nerve may present with pain, weakness, or even numbness and tingling.
Sciatica Treatment
Professionals at Denver Sports & Family Chiropractic Center are highly trained in treating sciatic pain, and provide patients with the tools to make a full recovery. Our approach to sciatica treatment begins with a thorough patient history to rule out red flags or potential barriers to recovery. We perform a mechanical assessment to develop an understanding of how a condition behaves, as well as movements that may reduce nerve irritation and provide relief.
Once a mechanical assessment has been performed, we take time to educate patients on how to scale activity to accommodate pain and identify potential triggers. We structure a personalized home exercise program that is consistent with examination findings and teach patients how to prevent future issues. We strive to provide effective strategies and solutions, not just temporary symptom relief.
